Kaisa Karataeva - D3 - 18 ~FIN~

Is this the start of my own fairytale? Is time for me to finally become the Queen?

Those thoughts churn in my head as the rest of the girls turn towards me, some with pity, some expressions merely neutral, as my name is projected on the screen of the Reaping. Of course, the other girls wouldn't understand; most of them have accepted their place in Panem, continuing to build cogs for their machines and continuing the progress of technology in such unimaginative ways. Even for all of the good Panem tells us our District does, what's the point if technology will only tear our people apart. My mother's grave should be proof enough of that. Meant initially to make analyses and computations, her machine was used to encrypt messages and decode Capitol code. Even though she only made the tech and showed the rebel army how it worked, she was still killed for it. How long will Panem hold inventors accountable for the abuse of others who twist their work?

This isn't how I thought my own story would play out, but every good story has its trials and tribulations. If it's going to be like last year, I just got to make sure I don't drown. It shouldn't be relatively easy. That shouldn't be too difficult. Plus, it would be an excuse to get me out of this crowded District whose veins are filled with coolants and information instead of magic. I've been trying to make magic of my own, indicated by the shudder of the mechanical wings on my back as they respond to my shoulders rolling, lights twinkling in those short movements. The shades of deep teal and black help the dress appear to be moving on its own as I make my way down the aisle toward my destiny. I'll still have time to try to make a print move. It's one thing to mix fabrics to create an illusion as I walk; it's another to make a pattern move on still fabric. One day, though, I'll see the advancements we make in tech and fashion.

The closer I get to the stage, the more I get lost in my thoughts, worrying about how my father will handle himself if I'm not there anymore. If I don't make it back, will he be able to stand on his own without a queen or princess to help him shoulder his responsibilities? Would he finally find someone else to walk beside him? He always said that his princess was his main focus and that he did not need another queen. But I cannot bear to see him potentially alone for the rest of his life. A king deserves a queen just as much as princess deserves her prince. Although I never thought any of the supposed princes here in Three worth of my time. Why wait for one of these boys to grow into his own when I take care of myself. Why sit around waiting for these wannabes when I can continue to shine.

I'm not sure I'm allowed to think about that, though, for the empire is trying to sacrifice its princess for the crimes of warlords. How am I supposed to feel at this moment? Should I be pissed for being executed in the same way my mother was? Emboldened to defend myself against the tirade? It doesn't matter, though, for I now walk up the steps towards the executioner's block. All I can do is make sure their blade doesn't come down on my neck.